An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and an additional 20 million have short-term sleeping issues, experts say. The frequency of chronic sleep disorders is higher for the elderly, as about half of all people older than 65 have reported having sleep difficulties. The most common sleep disorders include insomnia, which is when it’s difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, and sleep apnea, a disorder that is characterized by short stops in breathing during sleep. In the US, sleep disorders and their accompanying sleep deprivation are estimated to lead to about $16 billion US Dollars (USD) in medical expenses every year.
Many sleep disorders are associated with other medical conditions. For example, many pregnant people experience trouble sleeping due to physical discomfort and hormonal changes. Sleeping is also often impacted by conditions like depression or anxiety. However, those types of issues can usually be addressed through medical intervention, such as sleeping pills, or, in situations like pregnancy, by improving the sleep environment with items such as a pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers.
More about sleep:
- One study found that nearly 5% of Americans reported at least briefly falling asleep while driving during the prior month.
- People who sleep more might be able to fight more effectively against the genetics responsible for their weight, research suggests.
- On average, about two hours of sleep each night is spent dreaming.
If you suffer from chronic sleep apnea, you know how disruptive it can be to your nightly rest. Traditional treatments like CPAP machines can be challenging to use and often result in feelings of claustrophobia. However, there is another option: wedge pillows. Wedge pillows for sleep apnea are designed to elevate the head and torso, helping open the airway and promote better breathing. In addition, they can be used in conjunction with other treatments like CPAP machines. A wedge pillow may be the answer if you're looking for a more comfortable way to treat your sleep apnea.
